Words / C1

apr-i-HENSHUN/ˌæprɪˈhenʃn/

Apprehension is worry that something bad may happen: apprehension before an oral exam. Anxiety is a close everyday cousin; fear is stronger and more specific. Apprehensive is the adjective (apprehensive about). In legal English, apprehension can also mean arrest — rare at C1 unless you read crime reports. In speech, I am nervous about is enough. It is not a synonym for comprehension (understanding).

Meaning

Worry that something bad may happen; also (formal) arrest.

Examples

• “She felt apprehension before the oral exam.”
• “Her apprehension about the viva was worse than the viva.”
• “There was widespread apprehension that fees would rise again.”

Good to know

Anxiety about what is coming. Adjective: apprehensive about. Everyday: nervous / worry. Legal: arrest. Not comprehension.

Near in meaning

anxiety

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